The Pick of the Day is a 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT listed by a New York dealership on ClassicCars.com.
Did you know the 2001 model year marked the first Bullitt Mustang? It did – technically. The GT Fastback Steve McQueen made into an automotive and cinematic icon was a Mustang in a movie called “Bullitt.” The special version of the 2001 Ford Mustang GT shown here (aka the “Mustang Bullitt GT”) that commemorates the car in the legendary film is the first “Bullitt” model formally produced by Ford. That was followed by an S197 version in 2008 and 2009 and an S550 version in 2019 and 2020.
This retro New Edge model originated at the 2000 Los Angeles International Auto Show, when the blue oval displayed a concept version of its homage to the star of one of the greatest movie car chases ever. Given the public’s response to that, Ford decided to make a production version based on the Mustang GT coupe. Although the car used in the film was Highland Green, Ford offered the 2001 Bullitt in Dark Highland Green, Black, and – oddest of all – True Blue. They set it apart from other Mustangs with different faux side scoops, a brushed aluminum fuel door, 17-inch American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, and polished dual exhaust outlets that had approximately 20 percent better flow. In addition to larger front and rear brake rotors, the Bullitt also had a 0.75-inch lower ride height than regular Mustang GTs thanks to suspension changes. Those also included re-valved Tokico struts and shocks, unique front and rear stabilizer bars, and subframe connectors, according to the original press kit.
The vertically ribbed Dark Charcoal leather interior got its own unique touches. Ford swapped out the regular gauges for a set with white backlighting and 1960s-inspired numbers and letters. The most noticeable changes were the brushed aluminum shifter bezel, matching shift knob, and aluminum pedal covers.
Enhancements to the 4.6-liter V8 included a larger twin 57-millimeter-bore throttle body for better throttle response and altered alternator and water pump pulley ratios. A new cast aluminum intake manifold was installed to broaden the power curve and increase performance at the top of the rev range. Output went up slightly from 260 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 302 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm to 265 at 5,000 and 305 at 4,000, respectively. Ford paired that marginally higher power with a new TREMEC TR3650 five-speed manual gearbox and clutch assembly designed to provide a better shift feel.
This particular Bullitt is one of only 5,582 made and one of 3,041 with Dark Highland Green paint, according to Ford Performance. Whoever had this before must’ve known it was going to be or was collectible because they only put 3,654 miles on it. For $32,900, it can be yours and you can add as much as you want to that number. We recommend a celebratory trip to San Francisco – and keeping all four tires on the ground.
Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.
